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✦  Our story

35 Years of
Extraordinary Journeys

Founded on a simple belief — that the world is best explored in small groups, with expert guides, and the freedom to go deeper than the ordinary tourist ever could.
35+
Years of experience
7
Continents explored
5,000+
Happy travelers per year
100+
Tours worldwide
Oncor Travel Story
1989
Founded in Albany, NY
Our story
Where It All Began

Oncor Travel was founded in 1989 with a single conviction — that the best way to see the world is with a small, like-minded group of travelers, guided by someone who truly knows the destination. Not on a crowded coach, not through a hotel window, but up close, unhurried, and deeply immersed.

What started as a boutique agency in Albany, New York has grown into a globally recognized travel company with tours across all 7 continents. But our soul hasn't changed. We still cap every group at 16 guests. We still handpick every hotel, every guide, every experience. And we still believe that a great journey changes you.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."

Over 35 years, we've helped more than 150,000 travelers discover Africa's Big Five, Japan's ancient temples, Greece's island sunsets, and so much more. Every single trip is planned by a destination expert who has personally experienced the places they recommend — because we believe you can't truly sell a place you haven't felt yourself.

Our mission
To Make Extraordinary Travel Accessible

Our mission is simple: to design and deliver small-group journeys that are extraordinary in every detail — from the first inquiry to the final farewell dinner — and to make those experiences accessible to anyone with a passion for the world.

We believe travel is one of the most powerful forces for good in the world. It builds empathy, broadens perspective, and creates memories that outlast anything you could buy. Our job is to make sure every trip we plan lives up to that promise.

We also believe in traveling responsibly — choosing local partners, staying in independently owned lodges, and leaving the destinations we visit better than we found them.

Our values
Small & intimate
Max 16 guests per group — every time, no exceptions.
Expert & certified
Every advisor has personally visited the destinations they recommend — no scripts, no guesswork.
Responsible travel
We choose local partners and sustainable practices on every tour.
Genuine passion
We love travel. That enthusiasm shows in every itinerary we build.
Credentials
Certified, Trusted & Recognised
Our certifications aren't just badges — they represent decades of professional development, rigorous training, and a commitment to the highest standards in travel.
Destination Experts
Every Oncor advisor has personally experienced the destinations they sell. From African safaris to Japanese temples, our team's first-hand knowledge ensures every recommendation is genuine, not guesswork.
IATA Member
As an International Air Transport Association member, we have direct access to global airline systems and can source the best flight options for our travelers worldwide.
Award-Winning Agency
Recognised by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and the American Society of Travel Advisors for outstanding service, itinerary design, and client satisfaction.
Why Oncor
Six Reasons Travelers Choose Us
01
We cap every group at 16
No exceptions, no upsells to bigger groups. Small means better access, more flexibility, and a genuinely personal experience.
02
Real advisors, real destinations
Every advisor has personally visited the destinations they recommend. No scripts, no guesswork — just honest, first-hand expertise.
03
We handpick everything
Hotels, guides, restaurants, activities — every element is personally vetted by our team and reviewed after every departure.
04
35 years of trust
Since 1989, we've built a reputation on transparency, reliability, and genuine care for every traveler who books with us.
05
Flexible & fully supported
Trip protection from $99/pp, flexible booking terms, and 24/7 in-trip support — so you travel with complete peace of mind.
06
No obligation quotes
Ask us anything, request a full quote, and take all the time you need. We never pressure, never chase, never sell.
Our journey
35 Years in the Making
1989
Oncor Travel founded
Started as a small boutique agency in Albany, NY with a focus on curated group tours to Europe and the Caribbean.
1997
First Africa safari tours
Launched our signature Africa collection, including Kenya and South Africa — which remain our most popular destinations today.
2005
Destination expertise made mandatory
Required every advisor to personally visit the destinations they recommend — setting a new standard for genuine, first-hand travel knowledge.
2012
Asia collection launched
Added Japan, Southeast Asia, and India to our portfolio — cementing our position as a genuinely global small-group operator.
2019
30th anniversary & 100,000 travelers
Celebrated 30 years and surpassed 100,000 happy travelers — a milestone we're proud to have reached through word of mouth alone.
2024
All 7 continents
Completed our mission — now offering tours to all 7 continents, from the Sahara to Antarctica, with 100+ departures per year.
Traveler stories
What Our Guests Say
4.9
★★★★★
Based on 1,200+ verified reviews
★★★★★
"Our South Africa safari was the trip of a lifetime. The small group of 12 meant we had the game drives almost to ourselves. The guides were extraordinary and Oncor had thought of absolutely everything."
Sarah & Michael T.
South Africa Adventure & Safari March 2025
★★★★★
"I've traveled with four different tour companies over the years. Oncor is in a different league. The attention to detail, the quality of the hotels, the guides — everything was exceptional. Already booked my next trip."
James L.
Land of the Rising Sun · Japan February 2025
★★★★★
"As a solo traveler, I was nervous about joining a group. Within the first hour I felt completely at home. The group was warm, the advisor was wonderful, and Greece exceeded every expectation."
Diana R.
Athens, Mykonos & Santorini October 2024
★★★★★
"This was our third trip with Oncor and it won't be our last. Each time the bar is raised. The Costa Rica itinerary was perfectly paced — adventurous but never rushed. Truly a world-class travel company."
Robert & Linda M.
Best of Costa Rica January 2025
★★★★★
"The Egypt tour was extraordinary from start to finish. Seeing the pyramids at sunset with only 14 other people — no crowds, no rushing — is something I will never forget. Worth every penny."
Patricia W.
Jewel of the Nile · Egypt November 2024
★★★★★
"From the moment I contacted Oncor to the day I got home, I felt looked after. My advisor answered every question patiently and the trip itself was flawless. This is how travel should feel."
Thomas B.
Northern Lights · Iceland December 2024
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